Fisher hospital...Intensive Care Unit...
Alex sits beside the cot and holds the hand of his baby girl ,comparing the size of his massive fingers to her own delicate, dainty ones.
Studying her pinkie finger he notes how perfect her fingernails are and he imagines her older and painting them in all the latest fashion colours.
Leaning down he kisses her hand .
...
The tingling sting of tears begins in the corners of his eyes.
He feels his chest tighten and a sensation in the back of his throat .
His chin screws up first, followed by the remainder of his face.
Hot tears fall and his nose runs .
Slapping at them with his hand , he sniffs again.
...
A hand offers a tissue .
He takes it.
The owner of the hand rests it on his shoulder.
He sniffs loudly .
A noise he's never heard before escapes from his throat.
The hand slides around him, followed by its mate and he feels her warm ,sweet breath on his neck
...
More noises come in an anguished muddle .
His shoulders tremble as he looses any control he had.
He wonders at her powers of forgiveness.
She's offering comfort after all he's put her through.
...
He stands and turns ,her hands are still on him.
Conscious of her sore ribs her holds her as if she were a butterfly.
She slides her arms around his waist .
Her body shaking uncontrollably.
Resting her face on his chest she cries.
...
Her anguish mixes with his own and he's shocked by how much sadder he feels because she's crying.
After a time he leans back and lifting her face leans and kisses her ever so softly.
She accepts it initially then moves away.
Frightened by her own lack of restraint she says. " I'll be back soon."
...
Scurrying off to the the bathroom Stevie washes her face .
Inhaling deeply several times she tries to gain control.
"Get a grip Hall he's just in shock and feeling sad and guilty. He loves Claire not you."She coaches herself.
Her face scrunches again.
Hearing someone entering she quickly enters the cubicle and closes the door.
Dropping the lid she sits down and cries.
...
Pulling yet another piece of paper off the roll she blows her nose again.
"Are you coming out or are ya gunna stay in there all day?"Alex asks.
She flings the door open and angrily whispers. "What in the hell are you doing in here ? Can't you read it's says ladies and the last time I looked you sure as he'll weren't a lady."
Despite the sadness of the situation he grins at her.
"That didn't come out right did it?" She asks.
Smiling with his eyes still glassy from crying he replies. " I'm just thrilled you recognised I'm no lady."
...
She gives him a funny grin then moves to walk passed him.
He steps in front of her.
Puzzled she looks up at him.
Taking her face in his hands he kisses her again .
...
She pushes back and says. " No Alex you didn't want me before so you can't have me now. It hurts too much ."
" You don't know what I want!" He retorts.
"Yes I do! You want Claire." She answers.
...
Grabbing the door she pulls it open .
"In case you hadn't noticed Claire's taken!" He offers.
" Wrong answer." She says sadly and moves away from him.
Dejectedly he stands listening to the whoosh of the hydraulic door as it slowly closes.
...
Arriving back beside the cot Alex finds Stevie sitting with Bonnie.
Gently placing his hand on her shoulder he whispers . " Once she's better I really need to talk to you Stevie ok?"
Looking up at him and trying desperately to lighten the mood she smiles and teases." You can talk to me here Alex!"
" No what I need to say needs to be said in private without distractions."He says seriously.
They look at each other for awhile then she nods and answers. "Ok."